Patient barriers to participation in clinical trials in a community cancer center.

Abstract

e17578 Background: Clinical trials are fundamental to research and innovative oncology treatment. Participation rates in trials have declined nationally to < 5%. Barriers to participation exist at patient, physician and protocol levels. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in a community cancer center serving a diverse patient population. A total of 160 eligible patients offered enrollment in various clinical trials from July 2010-December 2012 were included. A standardized questionnaire was delivered by mail or in person. Electronic medical records and patient charts were used for disease specific data. Acceptors and decliners were compared using Fisher’s exact test for nominal variables and t test for normally distributed continuous variables. Results: Forty-nine patients (males: 9, females: 40) returned the questionnaire. Twenty-eight had accepted and 21 declined trial participation. Mean age of acceptors was 56.2 ± 2.2 compared to 63.96 ± 1.6 for decliners (p=0.007). Acceptance was highest for stage IV disease (85.71%) [p=0.077]. Of foreign-born patients, 71.4% patients were decliners [p=0.122]. Of those “comfortable with randomization,” 85.2% were acceptors compared to 22.7% who were not [p<0.001]. Of respondents encouraged by knowing that they could leave the study at any time and receive standard treatment, 79.4% were acceptors [p<0.001]. Of patients who valued trust in their doctor, 85.7% accepted compared to 19.05% who did not [p<0.001]. Among most important reasons for their decision, acceptors valued altruism, contribution to research, trust in doctor and hope for cure while decliners mentioned uncertainty in research, drug side effects, depression and need for family support. Conclusions: Results confirm barriers among diverse patients treated in a community cancer center and suggest the type of patient likely to participate in clinical trials. Study limitations include small sample size and majority of female respondents. Key factors included age, patient’s insight into the conduct of randomized trials, perceived drug side effects and the doctor-patient bond. Success lies in bridging knowledge and communication gaps, careful protocol design, and establishing trusting relationships.